Reuben Hernandez, son of Reynaldo, stands with a photo of himself as a 7-year-old child in front of his father's first outdoor mural. Known both as "La Latina" and "Black Wonder Woman," the mural was completed in 1981.

Artist Booker Lambouths greets attendees checking out his paintings.

Reynaldo Hernandez also exhibited some of his artworks.

Archival photos from throughout the mural's history were on display.

The building was covered by this mural through the 1970s, until the spring of 1984.

An African drumming performance was led by Ina Onilu.

Jayme Montgomery Baker from of the Friends of Bronzeville spoke about the importance of the refreshed mural to the area's redevelopment efforts

Representatives from the City of Milwaukee, Impact Seven, and many of the mural's original artists pose with the restored artwork.

With the restoration of the “Celebrate the Arts” mural, the gateway to Bronzeville is alive again with brilliant color. The extensive painting project was completed by a team of artists, including prolific muralist and artist Reynaldo Hernandez, who led the original project.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by artists who worked on the mural more than 30 years ago, many of whom were students at the time. The event also featured an art exhibition by local artists, African drumming and commemoration speeches from Alderwoman Milele Coggs, Mayor Tom Barrett and Jayme Montgomery Baker from Friends of Bronzeville.

Completed in 1984, the mural was commissioned for the west-facing wall of the Inner City Arts Council, located on North Avenue and 7th Street. The building is now home to the Milwaukee office of Impact Seven, a Wisconsin-based Community Development Financial Institution, which raised funds for the restoration efforts.

How To …

Help youth succeed in school and life! The start of the school year offers many opportunities to volunteer. Volunteer Milwaukee, a service of the Nonprofit Center, features a calendar full of events for volunteers, both one-time and ongoing.